Kina

Warning Signs: How China Normalises Its Presence A major strategic shift in the Indo-Pacific is happening quietly: China’s presence in seas and ports far from its coast is becoming routine Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Joe Keary & Linus Cohen, The Strategist (ASPI)

Expanding Frontiers: China’s Military Push Beyond the First Island Chain China’s defence and security presence beyond the Western Pacific is set to intensify over the next decade, expanding its access, influence and operational reach across the Indo-Pacific Joe Keary, Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan & Linus Cohen, The Strategist (ASPI)

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Chinese research vessel spotted near Japan for third time in a month

By 

Brian McElhiney and Keishi Koja

Stars and Stripes • April 29, 2026

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The Chinese marine research vessel Kexue, seen here in this undated photo, was first spotted within Japan's exclusive economic zone about 45 miles north of Ishigaki island on April 15, 2026. (Japan Coast Guard)

A Chinese research vessel operating in waters near Japan’s southwestern islands for nearly two weeks left the area early Wednesday, the third such incident in a month, according to Japan’s coast guard.

The Chinese marine research vessel Kexue was first spotted about 45 miles north of Ishigaki island, about 170 miles east of Taiwan, at 12:30 p.m. April 15, according to a coast guard news release that day.